Testimonials

Rachel & Emeniece (Emma) 2010

Simply Amazing!

My horse frightened me, and I'm sure I was terrifying her. Her whole body would tremble and her eyes would bludge, we had become a dangerous combination, I knew it was only a matter of time before one of us became seriously injured. Riding her was like riding a camel on roller skates head in the air a leg in every other direction, and that was at a walk, we didn't dare trot and goodness don't mention the C word.

This was not going to work in with the dream that I had of eventing and dressage days.

I came across Mark's website and gave him a call. The rest is glorious history (I say glowing with pride. This was a good decision) within weeks Mark had developed a line of communication and trust with her and she was blossoming. She was working in frame and in self carriage. Words can not explain how beautiful she is to ride, it's how you would imagine the perfect horse would be; light, responsive, a pure pleasure. I sometimes feel she is to good for me to ride.

Lessons with Mark and Amanda taught me how to correct our mistakes and how to reward her.

My horse and I are now a safe combination, we have a clear line of communication and she trusts me.

Thanks Mark and Amanda, you saved us both, we now love being in each others company.

You will not regret sending your horse to Mark. Mark is a horse enhancer. Your horse's own personality will develop, they won't be beaten. If you want your horse to reach its true potenital, be a pure pleasure to ride and simply amazing, send your horse to Mark - it will be the best equine investment you ever make.

Thanks again

Ania & Gally 2010

I am an eventing rider. Well-respected eventing coaches have labelled me as a "keen" and "gutsy" rider. My ambition is to get to the very top in my sport. I have been riding for over 20 years, I was having regular lessons with a dressage coach, but I felt I was getting very little improvement in my horses. Furthermore, their behaviour on the ground was getting rapidly worse. When I raised this issue with my coach, she brushed me off with "Just get on with it!"

When I bought my new 6 year old thoroughbred, things went from mediocre to tragic. So I came to Mark for help. Mark had previously broken in a horse for me and also taught me how to prevent my thoroughbred mare rearing. So I had faith that he could fix Gally's problems too. When I arrived at Mark's with the horse, Mark asked what he needed to fix. I had to be honest - well, the only thing this horse doesn't do, is he doesn't rear.

Mark's approach is gentle, firm, fun and full of rewards. Horses learn to respect him, but not fear him. Horses learn to work with him and that he can be trusted, because Mark makes it black and white for them. When a horse does the right thing, it is rewarded. When a horse does the wrong thing, it is encouraged to do the right thing through gentle methods.

Mark's approach is step by step, he builds a solid foundation and only when the horse understands the principles does Mark progress to the next step. Mark rewards them for every "try". Horses feel comfortable in this environment and they want to think and learn.

Mark also involves the rider, as all horses need to go home at some point and be ridden by their rider. He is keen for the rider to start being involved as soon and as much as possible. Mark makes lessons fun for both horse and rider and teaches the rider how to work with their particular horse - step by step.

Gally has now finished his education with Mark and has come home. He still has the same character, but now has manners and is a much nicer and safer horse to ride. Gally sometimes has to be reminded that I am the boss - but Mark has given me some gentle tools that really work. I now feel confident, safe and in control, both around and aboard my horse. I now feel that I can train this horse to go out and compete and I am confident that when we do go out to compete, it will actually be "fun".

Thanks a Million Mark, I'll see you soon for more lessons!!

Larissa & Merlin 2010

I bought a new horse, he was a 17.3hh Warmblood and was quite green. I felt confident when I rode him before I bought him and we were going smoothly with everything on track. We were going to pony club, out with friends and everything was going great. Slowly he started to show signs of bad behaviour that gradually got worse with time, so we sent him for some training for a period of 5 weeks. He came back and we seemed to be back on track. But as time moved on he developed even worse habits, bucking, kicking out and refusing to move. We got other people to ride him but no one could get on top of his problems. After spending lots and lots of money, we thought that the only thing left to do was to move him on. But I loved him so much I couldn’t bring myself to sell him. Finally someone recommended Mark to us. We gave him a call and sure enough Merlin was going to Mark's within the next week! Our first lesson was only after one week of him being in training and already the improvement was amazing! So I continued having lessons and with each lesson the improvement progressed.

On the last day before we took him home, Mark held a Horsemanship Clinic. We went through lots of groundwork and great techniques on showing your horse that you’re the boss. We then continued with this through our riding. I found the clinic very informative and enjoyable.

Merlin has been home for 2 weeks now, we're riding him 3-4 times a week and even had our first competition together. Merlin has completely transformed, it feels like riding a different horse! We go through daily groundwork and Mark's techniques while riding. I now have a horse that is very respectful of me and I feel safe to be around him. But I know none of this could have been possible if it wasn’t for the help of Mark and his assistant Amanda. I thank them heaps for the amazing amount of help that that gave me through the weeks of his re-training.

Amie & Danteah 2010

Having your horse broken in with Mark Jones is as much a learning experience for you as your horse. Every week you’re encouraged to take part in the training process and learn the skills you need to continue your horse’s education. Mark takes a holistic approach to the horse encompassing all aspects of your horse’s needs.

My horse was basically a danger to be around when I took her to Mark. Danteah had been minimally handled, had bad habits and I was stuck in my progress with her. I was to the point of giving up on her and using her as a brood mare. Mark went right back to basics, from tying and rugging, leading, good manners etc. He is patient and consistent with the horse and he gets results. Now she is a different horse, a pleasure to own and I am looking forward to my future with her. She is holding a beautiful frame by herself and will be a great dressage prospect, just as I’d hoped. Having your horse trained by Mark is definitely a worthwhile investment.

Jenna & Bubba 2010

Dear Mark & Amanda,
I would like to thankyou both for reconnecting me with my beloved quarter horse Bubba.
I thought it would be easy to bring Bubba back into work after turning her out to foal for 2 years, this was not the case.
Who would have thought how much confidence one can loose after two years out of the saddle?
Bringing Bubba back into work was a much bigger task than I could handle, she was piggish, pushy, bossy and didn't listen to me at all!! I used to ride her in a halter, but with this attitude it just wasn't safe and apon trying a bridle I found she had no mouth at all. This is when I decided it was all too much for me.

After scouring the internet for trainers I came across Mark. The reason I chose Mark was because he wasn't too far from me, as the thought of leaving her with someone I didn't know gave me anxiety, so at least I could visit her often. What also drew me to Mark was his excellent testimonials and after talking to him on the phone and then meeting him I was much more relaxed about someone else looking after my baby!

Over the three weeks Bubba spent there I went up to have lessons on her twice a week, Mark was very friendly and encouraged me to learn what he was teaching my horse, after all there's no point in making buttons if I don't know which ones to push.

Bubba was looked after like a princess and Mark treated her like one of his own. I have now had Bubba home for about a week and I am so thrilled with her progress, I actually want to go and ride her and enjoy her rather than feeling guilty that I'd really prefer to be doing something else!!

She now has a beautiful soft snaffle mouth, collects and works in frame, has a beautiful stop and is just so enjoyable to ride! I feel like everytime I ride her she gets softer and more in tune with me, it makes me want more.

So I will continue to have lessons with Mark and encourage anyone considering to participate in his lessons/clinics to give them a go as it's well worth it! Amanda his lovely assistant is also to thank. The whole experience was more relaxing and enjoyable than I could have hoped for.

Thankyou both again and I shall see you both again soon

Megan & Moon 2010

I attended Mark's horsemanship clinic in May 2010. It was the first clinic I have attended in many years and I was a little nervous. My 24 year old appaloosa, Moon, and I arrived early in the morning and was greeted by Mark and his assistant Amanda and directly introduced to the other riders attending the clinic that day. I felt very welcome.
The clinic began with ground work where we where educated on the importance of our horses having respect for us and we respecting our horses. Mark went through a series of exercises emphasising the importance of having control of your horse and being able to handle different situations we may get into when riding.
I found Mark had a gentle, but firm way of instructing and was very patient when I was having trouble following instruction with some of the exercises.
The clinic has provided me with confidence when handling Moon and demonstrated that a horse can learn, no matter what age they are as long as you have a horseman like Mark teaching you. It is clearly evident Mark is passionate, committed and loves sharing his horse knowledge with others.
I have come away from the clinic eager to learn more so I can challenge myself and my horse.

Thank you Mark for sharing your knowledge with me and Moon, I will definitely be coming to another clinic to learn more of your horse handling skills. The most invigorating and interesting day I have had in a long time.

Michelle & Tom 2010

After having my second child I had lost confidence and the connection with my 6yr old Quarter horse "Tom". I had not done much with him over the past year for obvious reasons so he was fat, lazy and at the point of being dangerous.
Mark has been my farrier for the last 2 years and I told him the trouble I was having, so he said to bring Tom straight up to Marelle Lodge.
After one week with Mark, Tom was a totally different horse. I was encouraged to watch and get involved in his re-education over the week. I learnt so much in one week, Mark corrected the things I was doing wrong, without making me feel uncomfortable and showed me ways to handle situations in a safe manner. We went back to the basics and I was very impressed with his gentle methods. My horse was re-educated and so was I.
I recently attended one of Marks clinics for the first time and was amazed by how much more I learnt. My friend and I felt that we were able to take that knowledge away with us to use on a daily basis.
I would like to thank Mark and Amanda for looking after Tom when he was staying at the lodge like one of the family ( I don't think he wanted to come home ). I now feel safe and confident again on my horse.
Mark has been a great trainer, farrier and friend and I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Kris & Siebe 2010

I was looking for someone to break in my 5yo friesian gelding Siebe. Margareit another friesian owner was having her mare Annabelle broken in by Mark Jones and suggested I see Mark in action. I was a bit hesitant about Mark's western background, but was very impressed by his gentle but firm attitude with the horse.
Mark went out of his way to explain his method of training in detail and what he expected of the horse, and eventually the rider & horse combination. I was also highly impressed by how calm and well behaved his own horses were, that was the deciding factor. Although I had competed in EFA show jumping and eventing 30 years ago, I needed a quiet calm horse to enable me to fulfill my dreams of getting back into riding, as I now had the problems of age, weight and lack of confidence & balance going against me.
Mark is not a horse breaker, he educates the horse and rider as well. I have never ridden a horse that was so light on the bit and responsive to the leg aids. I had my fifth ride and was absolutely thrilled at how well he went at the sitting trot (still working on rising trot), flexing well and smoothness in transitions. We achieved a turn on the haunches in each direction and 2 perfect turns on the forehand - not bad for only 8 weeks of education.
I cannot praise Mark's abilities and methods highly enough, and also Amanda his wonderful assistant. They have given me the confidence to realise my hopes of getting back into riding and eventually competition, (no longer a
pipedream), on a horse that is a dream to ride.

Erin, Grace (2008) & Poppy (2010)

Nearly 2yrs ago I went looking for someone to break in the first of 2 horses (Grace & Poppy) that I had acquired from a friend. I had contacted a couple of breakers and emailed a couple more. I chose Mark because when I first spoke to him he invited me around that day to take a look at his work. When I got there he instantly made me feel at ease. He is friendly, confident and so easy to talk to. He told me I could come and watch her being broken in everyday if I wanted to. No other breaker would offer me this.

I took Mark up on his offer and went often to watch Grace being broken in. In those 6 wks that she was there I would learn many new things and one of those was what a kind and talented trainer he really is for both horse and rider. I’m a novice rider and had just recently returned to riding after many years of not riding and no experience with young, green horses. I had so many self doubts about my riding ability and was void of almost all confidence, so Mark gave me many lessons while I was there. My lessons proved to be extremely rewarding and my riding quickly improved along with my confidence. I left every one of those lessons on a high.

Grace broke in really well and I had never in my life had the pleasure of riding such a soft horse. Within 12mths of being broken, my absolute beginner daughter was having regular lessons on her. I have just recently had the second horse (Poppy) broken in by Mark. She also is beautiful and so soft to ride and has not put a foot wrong. I believe this to be testament to Mark’s ability.

Mark has been so generous to me with his time and knowledge and I would not hesitate in recommending him for breaking, retraining or just lessons.

Alix & Sirprise

I have a 4 year old QH gelding named Sirprise, which my family bred. He was always treated with kindness and we were reluctant to send him of to be broken in, as l have seen some very bad handling practices by very experienced horse people who like to call themselves trainers. I made an enormous amount of phone calls over a few months, trying to find the right man for the job.Then I found mark on the internet and was impressed right from the start! WOW, this man can train his horse to sit - now that's talent! The website was a massive bonus to me, which alot of other horse trainers did not offer. It was good to see where I would be sending my horse. I then spoke to Mark and he explained in detail what he would be doing with my horse in the 8 weeks of training. I was very happy with what I heard and Mark said that I could visit my horse while it was in training, this was a big YES to me as no other trainers had offered that to me. I thought Mark Jones is the way to go! So I took Sirprise to Mark for starting. I was very nervous about sending my horse away as he is a beautiful natured horse and I didnt want anyone to ruin him. Mark was very welcoming, was great with Sirprise and messaged me everyday letting me know how he was going. I also had to have a few lessons with him as Mark said Sirprise wouldn't be going home untill I was happy and safe on my own horse. The lessons I had with mark were great. I was always nervous at the start, but Mark never pushed me and took things slowly and calmly wich was good. I felt very confident with Mark and I will be returning with my horse to Mark's for lessons. I now have my horse at home and I am so confident with him and just like he was before he left his personality has not changed one bit. He's a happy horse and I thank Mark for that. For anyone out there wanting their loved horse to be taken to a great horseman, I would reccomend you to Mark! He is amazing with the horse and the rider. Words cannot explain how happy I am to have my horse the way I always wanted him and that is because of mark Jones - he truly is the horse whisperer, amazing! I will send all my horses that need to be started to him in the future! Super good Job! Thank you very Much Mark :)

Krissy & Tish

Some would call me crazy for buying a 3yr old quarter horse that had no trust in humans, but.... that's exactly what I did, there was just one huge problem..she had had no handling and I hadn't ridden for nearly 4 yrs. The only contact I was having with horses was with my 2 young mini ponies that I had for only 8 weeks when I brought Tish.

I had always lent towards "natural horsemanship" methods but then I found Mark, the way he understands horses is better than any "natural horsemanship" person I have ever come across, everything he does when training is purely based on the horse's individual needs, he truly thinks like a horse.

Tish has come such a long way, the first day she got to Mark's she was so nervous about everything, she lacked self confidence and also trust in humans, she would quiver when she was touched, after a few days to get settled in Mark started to work his magic, over the next few weeks she started to gain trust in Mark and gain a huge amount of self confidence. She was still unsure about things like the roller, in fact she nearly wrecked Mark's round yard one day when she went off and bucked her heart out, but Mark stayed so very patient with her an she came to realise that she didn't need to buck.

Everything that happened to Tish was a first for her, rugged, hosed down, feet done, teeth, roller, bridle, saddle the list goes on.

The great thing about Mark is his ability to understand and get the trust of horses he works with, there are so many people out there that will say "Oh I'll be riding that untrained horse in 2 days" that may be all well and good but what Mark does is truly education for the horse. Things like making sure the horse is collected, allowing the horse to make mistakes and then correcting it just as you would with a child.

Right now I have a very confidant and trusting horse who without Mark's way of training would more than likely be a nervous wreck, dangerous and a ruined horse.

I could go on forever about how happy I am with how Tish was handled...but the results speak for themselves, I am riding her and she is going great. I cant thank Mark and Amanda enough.

THANKYOU GUYS YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!

Nicky & Akubra 2010

To all those lost souls out there looking for individual, hands on and up-lifting Training/Breaking/Re Education.....
LOOK NO FURTHER!!!

I came to Mark so scared of my filly, it was pathetic. I was ready to sell her. She busted my knee to the point of surgery, countless blood noses and not to forget the concussions.
I have never had such a young horse before, always older and somewhat educated. This was such a shock to the system. I asked Mark to do what he thought was nessary to make her manageable.
Here I was thinking whips, boots and fists being slapped in to her, as you hear of most trainers. The complete opposite in fact.
For the size of a man that Mark is, he has such a magnificent, gentle loving way of doing what he does.
And lets not forget Amanda. Easily one of the most lovely ladies I have ever met. Everything that she does, you can be assured that it's the best. This man does not have idiots working for him.
Mark and Amanda were riding her in a couple of weeks, just for her to get the feel. A big reason why I love Mark's methods so much, he doesn't push to the point of hate from the horse. My filly was hanging on his every command, wanting to please him. It really was beautifull and amazing to watch and be a part of.
Mark has changed my life, and how I look at things and do things with all my horses now.
Thank you to Mark and Amanda.

Kristy & Petie 2010

I have known mark for many years as my farrier and as a friend. I recently just bought my second horse "Petie", a five year old bit of everything. Petie had only been ridden a couple of times in his life, so I took him to Mark to be re-educated.
In the beginning, Petie was a pain in the bumb, but everytime I went to see him I saw improvements.
At the same time Petie was being trainned, I was also being trained and was always learning new things. Mark trains your horse and at the same time involves you in everything.
Petie is now my dream horse, he behaves himself when I go riding and it is all thanks to Mark and not to forget Amanda.
I reccommend Mark to any horse person having problems or wanting to learn new things with horses.
Thanks guys you've done an excellent job.

Vanessa & Jay

He was black with a white star . . . just like her . . and thats all it took to convince me that jay could fill the gaping whole in my heart and my life that was left by the sudden death of my pony Rosie. I hastily purchased him, a 15.2 hh quaterhorse cross appaloosa gelding, 5 yrs old, schooled in western apperantly but out of work for 12 months . . . . perfect! Five days later and one trainer bucked off declaring him a mouthless bronco, I couldnt believe what was happening . . . I had purchased a horse I was afraid to ride!. Feeling like a bit of a fool but determined not to sell him on, I scanned the internet for a solution . . . thats when I found Mark. The amazing testamonials on Marks website really gave me faith in his ability and after explaining my situation, I confidently left Jay in Marks hands. After only a couple of days with Jay, Mark confirmed that Jay had never been broken in properly . . .if at all . . and really needed to be started from scratch.. . so thats where he began.

8 weeks later, I could never imagine owning a more responsive, well mannered, patient and level headed horse than the one Mark has created for me. Jay is the perfect gentleman . . his mouth is as soft as butter, he responds not only to the lightest leg aids and stops with the most responsive brakes I have ever experienced on any horse in my 20 years of riding, he also reponds to voice aids just as willingly . . . and the most amazing new thing for me . . . parking . . I have never had a horse that stands so still to mount or dismount or just stand around on . .Its fantastic!!

I was very privileged to be able to attend several of Jays training sessions during his stay at Marelle Lodge and watch Mark working his magic. He explained everything he was doing with Jay and the reason behind all the different training procedures he was performing which made me feel very well informed and confident I would be able to understand every button I needed to push with Jay when It was time for me to take over. It was wonderful to watch Marks calm and gentle approach to training, gaining Jays absolute attention whilst teaching him without ever compromising his trust. . . he truly is a gifted horseman who shares a uniqure connection with the horses he trains.

I cant thank Mark enough for the pleasure he has bought me through creating a horse that is an absolute delight to own in every way. I never thought I would regain the confidence and trust I shared with Rosie with another horse . . . Mark has made that possible and I am absolutely in love with my new horse.

Thanks Mark and Michelle and family for taking such great care of Jay during his stay with you, it was an absolute pleasure to have met you all . . including Hug and Stormy of course - and I can't speak highly enough of Marelle Lodge and the wonderful service you provide.

Sally & Cryztal 2009

I was going no where; I bought Cryztal (6 month old mare) mainly for a paddock mate to my older Gelding. My friends suggested I get a younger horse to break in myself and enjoy when my older horse need to be retired.

After attending a number of Horse Clinics, I came away believing I could do this. It wasn’t until I ended up in hospital, after Cryztal ran me through an electric fence and impaled me to a star picket, I then realized the danger and naivety involved.

This accident really damaged the relationship between Cryztal and me –we didn’t trust each other –which made things worse.

I was on the verge of selling Cryztal when I was given a business card for Mark Jones Training, and he came recommended from a friend who had had wonderful results.

I originally took my horse up to Mark for a riding lesson, from the moment I begin to mount Cryztal to ride, Mark picked up that my horse was not safe and required education. I agreed to leave her in Marks care; I drove away feeling a little anxious.

This was the best decision I ever made, Cryztal is a new horse, confident, willing and very light horse in the mouth and leg aids. Basically I have a stronger base to work with and develop. Mark was always happy for me to come and watch him train, which was a great opportunity to learn and understand.

Cryztal was very well looked after during her stay at Marks and was very much spoiled and treated like one of the family.

Mark not only has trained my horse, he has also trained me, in understanding cues and better riding technique, especially in new disciplines of Western Riding.

I will continue with lessons and clinics to support the work Mark has put into Cryztal into developing a stronger safer relationship with my horse.

Joanne & Fen 2009

My 5yo gelding had been standing in a paddock for over 12 months, having been started by a trainer and returned to me at a level that I was unable to continue with. I am a rider and horse owner/breeder of some 35 years experience, but am now at a stage where I have to look after myself a little, and Fen was simply not at a level of communication that I was able to handle. After the Feb 7 bushfires in our area, which this lovely horse survived, I felt I had to give him a new start and find someone who could take him to a stage where I could confidently continue with his progress. Fortunately, an internet search found Mark’s website and I spoke to him about the prospects of giving Fen a new foundation. I can recommend Mark’s work and believe that he is both a talented and insightful trainer of horses, and a good communicator with his customers. I am delighted to say that Fen is now at a stage where he is making real progress on a weekly basis, is more confident to handle and ride, and is much clearer in the basics upon which I can build.

Kate Bakker & Ellie 2009

I got mark to break in my pony Ellie who is 14.1. All I wanted was a horse to go trail riding on that was safe and clam, but after a few weeks with Mark she was doing a lot more than any other green horse I had ridden. As I was riding her mark would always offer advice, so I learnt along with the horse. Ellie is so quiet and has never put a foot wrong since Mark broke her in. Thanks Mark :)

Jona Segal

Mark is without doubt the first person I always turn to with any issue relating to my horses, whether it be shoeing my Appaloosa that no one else wanted to touch or refining their ‘manners’ with some simple techniques that I can then follow up with. With Mark you get someone who treats your horses with the same love and respect you would treat them with yourself while still managing to educate horse and rider in a way that leaves you both feeling confident, happy and eager to learn more.

He is someone that truly loves his horses, is great at what he does and will always be my first point of contact for shoeing, education or just a good old fashioned bush bash on a weekend.

Keely & Pepper June 2009

Sometimes in life we get the opportunity to meet special people who can really make a difference. Mark and his family are some of these people. He has a calm confident way of dealing with horses and stressed/nervous owners who have come to him for help.

My 9 year old daughter, Keely, found Mark by stumbling across his website. A couple of years ago Keely had been given a one year old unhandled young welsh pony that needed a loving home. Before we decided to take the pony, my husband and I gave this a lot of thought deciding that this would be an enormous, rewarding life experience for Keely as she has been fanatical about horses from the ripe old age of 2. Although Keely has been riding for a few years at a riding school, she was still inexperienced and had to step out of her comfort zone to do some real riding.

We found the whole experience to be an enormous learning curve which was extremely enjoyable.  It was great how Mark got us so involved working with Keely and Pepper encouraging us to visit every day. Mark showed an incredible amount of patience, perseverance and encouragement with Keely - she was extremely shy, nervous and sometimes really stubborn. We had some up and down days with smiles and sometimes tears, but we got through it in the end.

I can’t thank you enough Mark you have done a brilliant job with Pepper; we are over the moon on how she has turned out. I also want to thank you for all the guidance and hard work you put in with Keely. She basically learnt how to ride again and is now so much more confident and looking forward to enjoying Pepper.

I can highly recommend Mark Jones - he also teaches you, not just your horse.   Alison Hallett

Marni Peters

Over the past two years Mark has taught me many things. From being there with me step by step in breaking my first horse- a five year old Clydesdale- to assisting with a horse that has had previous experiences bucking. He will come and give a lesson to get me on my way with the next step. I am very grateful for what he has done for me and more so, the massive amount of knowledge and practical skills I have not only learnt from him, but taken away and will definitely use in the future.

Mark is an outstanding farrier and I have never personally had a problem with anything he has trimmed or shod. I have also never heard a bad word about him in the industry.

Mark is an exceptional horseman who continues to amaze and inspire me. He believes that he needs to get the most he can out of both horse and rider, whatever the case. He will give you an honest opinion on a problem horse which is essential in this industry. All horses returning from Marks are guaranteed to have excellent ground manners as well as a calm horse that will be supple and lovely to ride. He is also a great friend and I would recommend him to anyone for breaking, retraining and farrier work.

Jo and Torah

Torah is my first dabble at breeding. As soon as she was born we just connected. Sounds like a cliche, but its true. I knew we were destined to be a team.
Our journey together is one that would take forever to explain, but to make it simple it feels as though Torah and I have been to the end of the earth and back.
When she was 2 she was introduced to a trainer who made lots and lots of promises. I was really excited about her learning more so that together we could go on to the next stage. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a complete disaster. My filly learnt nothing, I did my money and most of all I lost all trust in so called trainers.
Another 6 months past and I knew that there really wasn't alot more I could teach Torah, she also knew. She was ready to learn but I wasnt ready to let her go. In fact I was terrified at the prospect.

After searching on the internet for local trainers, I found Mark. His website spoke volumes. After making contact I have to admit I still wasn't entirely convinced, simply because of the bad experience I had with the previous trainer.
I explained my hesitation to Mark. I was really anxious, nervous and scared at the same time. Mark was very understanding and when he told me I could visit whenever I wanted and that he also works with the rider I was relieved.
I was also more than impressed by the way every stage of Torahs training was explained to me. If I could not be there I was always informed. My questions were always answered, no matter how silly they may have sounded.

It is now 3 weeks since Torah came home. We have ridden amongst some kangaroos and done flat work in the arena. We have also been on a few short trails. I cannot thank you enough Mark. The things you taught me about my horse are priceless. The gentle yet firm approach you take, you are a true horseman. And you were true to your word when you said you worked with horse and rider. I learnt just as much as Torah and not once did you tell me it was inconvenient to visit her.

Every time I saddle her up I think of Mark. She is patient, has fantastic brakes and more importantly she is an absolute pleasure to ride. We have lots to learn and I know that Mark will be there every step of the way. You have given me more confidence as a rider Mark and for that I thank you. I know I can call and pick your brain if I need to and I look forward to the follow up clinic, it will be our first outing together.

I am really proud of Torah and the way she has turned out. I know we will have a long and happy union. I am also very grateful to Mark, not only did he train my horse he also instilled some of my faith back into the human race.............

Jess & Wally

Since I commenced instruction with Mark Jones there has been immense improvement in my riding ability and my horse’s movement. Learning some of Mark's extensive knowledge and training methods has provided me with valuable training tools, giving me the confidence to handle any situation with my horse.

Mark is focused on achieving the best quality work from the horse and rider – improving rider neatness, ring craft and accuracy which are all essential in any discipline. Not only is Mark a valuable instructor, but also an experienced farrier who has maintained soundness in my problematic horse.

I am looking forward to many more lessons with Mark to improve and perfect Wally and I as a combination.

Paula Leslie & Spike

“Fellow horse enthusiasts save money and time by doing it right the first time around. I sent my horse Spike elsewhere first and paid dearly, ending up with a frightened timid hard to manage horse that I was told to give a bullet. After a few weeks of TLC and recovery he was sent to Mark, where he was treated with care and looked after like part of the family. Anything that needed doing was attended to (rugs, feeds, etc.).

I was able to check in on Spike and see how he was being trained, getting involved and learning much myself. He returned home when he was ready and my happy confident quiet horse was back with no nasty bad habits and ready for me to move on with him. Even when rides are a few weeks apart he is great.

I would highly recommend Mark, having seen the approach he uses and with the great horse that has returned to me, I would not hesitate sending anyone to him.”

Sonya Heron

“I have observed Mark Jone’s horse training methods over the last few years and have no hesitations in recommending him. I have been involved with horses and ponies for over thirty years. My riding has been predominantly in the European or “English” style, although in recent years I have begun to investigate the “western” style of riding. I enjoy both disciplines and can see the relative merits of each. My

About 3 years ago, I found myself in need of someone with the confidence and ability to handle and break-in an unhandled 3 year old quarter horse stallion that had been abandoned. Unless someone could be found willingly and able to take on the job, his future looked very bleak. Someone recommended Mark, so I gave him a call. He sounded quietly confident, so we went up to his property to watch him working some horses. I was most impressed with his firm but gentle manner with horses, whether on the ground or in the saddle.

So Mark spent an hour or so a day for the next two weeks working with ‘Spirit’ in the stockyards of a property next door to where he had been running wild since birth. It took Mark just 1.5 hrs to get the horse to accept a halter and four hours after first being handled, the horse was quiet enough to stand still while Mark ran his hands all over him. The horses trust in mark was absolute. At the end of the second week, we judged him quiet enough to be gelded, a job carried out with a minimum of fuss. Later that day the horse was loaded quietly and efficiently onto the float (another first) and taken up to Mark’s property to continue his education. I was impressed with the way that Mark accomplished this job.

We have sent other horses to Mark’s for breaking or training, each one handled slightly differently, according to their ability and previous amounts of training etc; but always with the same quiet, firm but gentle manner.

I’ve seen horses with all kinds of vices arrive on his property and watched them become putty in his hands.

I have also had Mark shoeing my horses and I have to say that he’s one of the most punctual, reliable farriers I’ve ever known.

In summary, after many years in the horse world, watching, listening and learning from all kinds of people. I have to say Mark Jones has impressed me a great deal as a trainer and farrier and have no hesitations in recommending him.”

Jessica Williams & Chatan

Just a few words to say how Mark changed my horse's and my attitude to make riding my horse a pleasure! I have a 17.1hh clydesdale cross standardbred 4yrs old named Chatan. I bought him when he was 3 and had been broken but he was still very green. Since the day I got him I have had trouble bridling him, he was fine with the saddle and had a lovely nature but he just knew he was big and by putting his head up he'd get away from me. I ended up standing on fences and buckets just to put his bridle on and I got very tired of that quickly as you can imagine. After 15 months of fighting with him I decided to seek professional help. I looked up horse breakers/trainers on the internet and found Mark Jones,  after talking with him he seemd very genuine and experienced and said he'd be more than willing to help. Within 2 weeks I had my horse at his training centre. His facilities were excellent and from the moment Chatan was off the float Mark was working with him. Mark was very thorough from the start and he showed me how to get Chatan wormed without him making a mess of me and actually getting the paste in his mouth. Within 2 weeks I already saw a difference in my horse. Chatan was listening and responding and I could bridle him standing on the ground - it was amazing. Chatan was never nasty but if he didn't want to do it he wouldn't and because of his size he mostly got away with it, Mark also taught me how to deal with that and make him listen. Mark really changed his attitude and he wanted to learn, he just needed a professional push. Chatan is such a pleasure now I couldn't be happier and to anyone else reading this thinking of re-training or breaking your horse, I highly recommend Mark Jones - he also teaches you, not just your horse
                THANKS SO MUCH MARK!

Jan Miller

“I recommend Mark Jones as a horse breaker and educator with every confidence. I have known Mark for many years and have seen first hand the job that he does. Not only are his horses broken to saddle; but also educated to road work and handled well.”